Ganderbal, Dec 30: The Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department has reassured the public about the safety of the newly constructed Wayil Bridge in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district.
Concerns were raised after a video shared by a local resident on social media showed minor cracks on the bridge’s approach road, creating panic among citizens.
In response, R&B officials, including Executive Engineer and Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE) Ganderbal, visited the site on Monday to assess the situation. AEE R&B Ganderbal, Soleh Shah, clarified that the main bridge is completely safe and secure.
“There is a minor separation in the flexible portion of the approach road, which is normal due to natural settlement. The main bridge remains unaffected and is absolutely safe,” Shah told Rising Kashmir.
He explained that the minor cracks were caused by a one-inch settlement in the earth filling of the approach road. “This is a routine issue in such constructions and will be addressed. Once winter ends and temperatures rise, the department will apply a one-inch layer of macadam to fix the settlement,” he added.
Shah also emphasized that the approach slab and road are distinct from the main bridge, which has no structural issues.
The viral video, showing minor cracks on the approach road, led to widespread concern among residents. However, authorities have urged the public not to panic, assuring that the Wayil Bridge is completely safe for use.
Lieutenant Governor Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha inaugurated this first of its kind Arch truss bridge in Wayil Manigam area of Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district in May this year.
The two-lane bridge, with a span of 110 meters and a width of 10.50 meters, was funded by the World Bank and it came up at a cost of Rs 23.79 crores.
